The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 2

The Anning Marquis Manor could trace its lineage back three generations to those who followed the founding emperor of Jin in his southern and northern campaigns to establish the empire. After the realm was stabilized, the emperor personally bestowed the title of Anning Marquis, and the residence granted by imperial decree was in the most bustling district of the capital. People coming and going in the capital would inevitably pass by its gates, and gossip about the grand manor—especially its scandals—could stir up waves with just a whisper.

And Lu Zhining, though bold by nature, had no desire to become the subject of idle chatter.

Lu Zhining glanced around discreetly. If some clueless people were to catch sight of this scene and spread rumors, her reputation might be tarnished by such lowly individuals. What if Young Master Huan were to think less of her because of it? That simply wouldn’t do.

She would never allow such a thing to happen.

At this thought, Lu Zhining’s expression darkened. Soon after, she shot a meaningful look at a few maidservants, who immediately understood and roughly released Tao Xi.

The moment Tao Xi broke free, she hurried behind Hua Qingyue. “Miss, I—”

Hua Qingyue shook her head at her, and Tao Xi, knowing the gravity of the situation, obediently hid behind her, not daring to cause further trouble.

Hua Qingyue had come to the capital with unfinished business and knew her only support was the Dowager Lu. She didn’t wish to keep the old lady waiting any longer, so she said, “Miss Zhining, thank you for coming out to greet me.”

Lu Zhining scoffed and raised an eyebrow. “Greet you? You think you’re worthy? Take a good look at yourself!”

Hua Qingyue feigned understanding, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. “When I saw you here, Miss Zhining, I thought perhaps the message I sent with the servant upon entering the city had reached the Dowager, and she had asked you to wait for me. It seems I misunderstood.”

“Indeed, as the daughter of a mere merchant, I am truly unworthy. Hearing your words today, Qingyue realizes how right you are. Tao Xi, pack our things. We’ll set off back to Liangyuan at once.”

Tao Xi grew frantic. Her mistress had gone through great lengths to escape Wu Shi’s grasp and leave Liangyuan—how could they return now? She wanted to speak up, but the fierce maidservants nearby made her hesitate. Instead, she clutched Hua Qingyue’s arm anxiously.

“But we sent word to the Dowager as soon as we entered the city…”

“It’s fine. Just have someone relay Miss Zhining’s words to the Dowager Lu. Say that Qingyue felt deeply ashamed upon hearing them and no longer has the face to see her, so we’ve decided to return to Liangyuan.”

At the mention of informing her grandmother, Lu Zhining panicked. “Who said you could leave? You really are a country bumpkin with no manners—”

Wu Shi, who had been watching coldly from a distance, knew that if Zhining continued, she might say something irreparable. If this little wench left now and the Dowager later found out they were behind it, they’d have a hard time explaining themselves.

She forced a smile and stepped forward, warmly taking Hua Qingyue’s arm.

“I was just thinking you should have arrived by now. Why are you still standing at the gate? Come inside quickly—the Dowager has been asking about you nonstop.”

Hua Qingyue had noticed the figure in dark red by the gate the moment she stepped out of the carriage. There was no doubt who it was. She immediately curtsied. “Qingyue pays her respects to Third Madam.”

“Good, good. It’s a relief you’ve arrived safely.” Wu Shi took Lu Zhining’s hand and gave her a once-over.

Then, still holding Hua Qingyue affectionately, she glanced at Lu Zhining. “Since you came out to greet your elder sister, you should have brought her inside at once. If your grandmother finds out, she won’t be pleased.”

Lu Zhining watched as her mother showed such warmth to an outsider. After all, she was her mother’s own daughter. Anyone who didn’t know better might think Hua Qingyue was the legitimate daughter of the Lu family’s third branch instead.

“Mother, she’s not my sister.”

Wu Shi pretended to be angry, giving Lu Zhining a reproachful glare. “Nonsense! Your Hua sister’s grandfather and yours were sworn brothers. Even your grandmother often speaks of Qingyue, treating her as her own granddaughter. Naturally, I regard her as my own daughter too. If you won’t call her sister, what should you call her?”

Hua Qingyue pretended not to understand the implication in Wu Shi’s words, smiling without responding.

Though it was only an oral marriage agreement between the families, when her grandfather passed away last month, he had made it clear that her betrothed was Lu Third Young Master. As the young master’s birth mother, Wu Shi couldn’t possibly be unaware.

Unless, she disapproved of the match.

Admittedly, considering her current circumstances, she truly lacked any bargaining chips to make others agree.

Both parents deceased, family assets entirely controlled and transferred by Huo Shi, a younger brother requiring long-term medical treatment—as for herself, if there had been any better option, she wouldn’t have traveled all this way to shamelessly pursue this marriage.

She had no choice.

Having chosen this path, she would press forward unwaveringly.

Maintaining her gentle smile, she adopted the understanding demeanor of an elder sister. “Third Madam, my arrival was rather sudden. It’s understandable that Zhining hasn’t adjusted yet. There’s no hurry—she can address me properly once we’re better acquainted.”

As if desperate to prove something, Wu Shi turned to Lu Zhining. “Quickly now, call her sister.”

Lu Zhining rolled her eyes, her gaze lingering on Hua Qingyue’s flawless jade-like complexion. Speaking of sisters, she suddenly had a wonderful idea. If Lu Zhiyu were to see this affected manner of hers.

Lu Zhiyu, who always considered herself above worldly concerns and proclaimed herself the capital’s greatest beauty, never gave her the time of day, stealing the spotlight wherever she went. Now, here came a distant cousin even more stunning than her—let them tear each other apart.

Just wait. Within days, this country bumpkin here for handouts would be scurrying back where she came from, tail between her legs. And it would take Lu Zhiyu down a peg too—two birds with one stone.

“Mother, I’ll go inform Grandmother first. You can bring… sister inside.” Lu Zhining forced out the words awkwardly before turning with an affected pout and flouncing back toward the manor gates.

“This child—I’ve spoiled her terribly. You’re so understanding, Qingyue, don’t take it to heart. I’ll punish her severely later.”

Hua Qingyue smiled. “Third Madam, it’s nothing. Zhining simply speaks her mind—a testament to your excellent upbringing. I should be learning from her, not taking offense.”

Seeing her response, Wu Shi said no more, instead warmly taking her hand to lead her inside.

They proceeded leisurely toward the matriarch’s Dawnlight Hall. Guided by Wu Shi, Hua Qingyue traversed winding covered corridors flanked by exquisitely carved beams and painted pillars. Beyond the gates, a lotus pond meandered gracefully through Anning Marquis Manor like a coiling dragon, its delicate fragrance complementing the pond’s majestic presence, imbuing the entire estate with an air of noble authority.

Through twists and turns, they went, as if the path would never end.

Her father was a merchant, and before her stepmother Huo Shi entered the household, she had accompanied him to many estates. Yet this was the first time she had encountered one so grand and solemn. Rows of maids and servants moved about their tasks in perfect order, the silence of the hundreds-strong courtyard making it seem almost uninhabited.

One could imagine how strict the master of the front courtyard must be in managing his subordinates.

The title of Anning Marquis, bestowed by imperial decree, was hereditary. The younger generations had already taken up important positions in the capital at a young age.

The next heir to Anning Marquis Manor, Lu Yan, was the backbone of the Jin nation. Six years ago, during the Battle of Lishui, it was entirely due to his strategic brilliance that they triumphed against overwhelming odds, not only driving the enemy beyond the borders but also expanding the nation’s territory by eight thousand li. Four years ago, he quelled the rebellion of Prince Yong, single-handedly storming the palace to rescue the emperor. Two years ago, he spearheaded the salt tax reform, significantly reducing the tax burden on the common people. Later, he was appointed as the Commander of the Palace Command. Even when her father was alive, he had often praised this young man’s decisive methods.

With this in mind, it no longer seemed strange. She allowed Wu Shi to lead her forward.

Hua Qingyue walked through the long corridor into the inner courtyard. Unlike the solemnity of the outer courtyard, it was still orderly and proper.

She hadn’t taken more than a few steps, her astonishment not yet fully dissipated, when she heard the hushed whispers of several maids nearby.

“Hey, have you heard? The third young master’s betrothed is coming today. Although it’s customary in our Jin nation for engaged couples to spend time together before marriage, that girl seems a bit too eager.”

“Exactly! I heard the Hua family is just a merchant household. They must be desperate to cling to our Anning Marquis Manor.”

Their words were followed by a burst of giggles.

“Honestly, our third young master is so talented—he’s bound to pass the imperial exams next spring. Then he’ll be the most sought-after bachelor in the capital. How could a mere merchant’s daughter ever be worthy of him?”

“I heard the third young master once said he’d only marry a woman who could discuss classics and philosophy with him. In our entire nation, only Lady Liu Wan, the eldest daughter of Duke Liu, would be a suitable match for him.”

“Shh! If the eldest young master or the princess hear you talking like this, do you even want to keep your tongues? Hurry up and leave!”

The maids glanced around nervously before scurrying away into the shadows.

The group heading toward Chaohui Hall naturally overheard every word. Wu Shi glanced sideways at Hua Qingyue, noting her indifferent expression—she showed no intention of making a scene.

Wu Shi sighed inwardly. This girl from the countryside had remarkable composure. But no matter—there would be plenty of time later.

After about half a minute, they finally reached the threshold of Chaohui Hall.

The maids lifted the curtains and announced their arrival before they entered.

The room had been filled with laughter and chatter, but it fell silent as they walked in. The elderly matriarch seated at the head of the room looked at her with a kindly expression as the third daughter-in-law reported, “Madame, eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, this is Qingyue.”

None of the Lu family’s male members were present. Seated at the highest positions were the Lu matriarch and Ning Sui County Princess, followed by the second and third branches of the family. Behind the second branch’s Lady Gu were six or seven other women, the closest being the second branch’s second daughter, Lu Zhiyu.

Including the maids and attendants, there were over twenty women in the room, adorned in vibrant silks and perfumed sleeves.

Wu Shi affectionately took her hand and introduced her one by one.

Given the Lu matriarch’s welcoming demeanor, all eyes turned to the young woman who had just entered.

Hua Qingyue had been renowned in Huayuan for her striking beauty—her apricot-shaped face and peach-blossom cheeks, her eyes brimming like autumn waters. The pale green ruqun she wore hugged her slender waist, swaying gently with each graceful step of her tall, willowy figure.

Even the ladies of Anning Marquis Manor, accustomed to the capital’s finest beauties, couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances.

Hua Qingyue knew exactly how she looked. She knew how to charm men and, more importantly, how to win the affection of elders.

Every step, every gesture, was measured and proper—just enough to be impeccable.

“Qingyue of the Hua family in Liangyuan pays her respects to the Old Madam, Ning Sui County Princess, the Second and Third Madams, and all elder and younger sisters. May you all be well.”